Kids to Go to Infinity and Beyond at Gateway Science Camps

Local school-age children will explore the final frontier during two weeklong camps in July at the Gateway Science Museum at California State University, Chico. Themed “Astro Camp,” the program aims to provide campers with hands-on investigations of astronomy, space exploration, our solar system and meteorology.

Activities include studying moon phases, sun spots, constellations, black holes, supernovas, and nebulas; designing a rocket; building a telescope; and touring CSU, Chico’s planetarium. On the last day of camp, campers will be taken to the Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory in Bidwell Park for an evening of stargazing and twilight observation.

Experts, mentors and counselors leading the camp include CSU, Chico physics and geological sciences professors; members of the Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory; and CSU, Chico students.

The camps run Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Cosmo Kids, for students entering the 4th, 5th and 6th grade, will be held July 13-17 and costs $189. Space Rangers, for students entering the 7th, 8th, and 9th grade, will be held July 27-31 and costs $199. Registration fees cover daily materials, snacks and meals and transportation to the observatory. To register, click here or visit www.gatewayscience.org.

Located at 625 Esplanade, next to Bidwell Mansion, the Gateway Science Museum has been inspiring the exploration of science and natural history since it opened its doors in 2010.

The museum's current exhibits include “Moneyville,” a hands-on look into how money is made, spent, earned and traded with interactive lessons in math, economics, science, culture and history. Among the museum’s ongoing exhibits are “Modern Farming,” “Ice Age Skeletons” and “River Voices.”

The museum is open during the summer Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults; $3 for seniors, children and students; and free for museum members. For more information on the Gateway Science Museum and its Astro Camp, visit www.gatewayscience.org.